Consistency and composure remain elusive qualities for Stephen Kearney's Kiwis side following their narrow escape over a determined and committed Samoan outfit in Whangarei today.
Both Kearney and Kiwis captain Simon Mannering spoke during the lead-up about the need to start well at Toll Stadium after last weekend's sluggish opening quarter against the Kangaroos.
However, for the second week in a row they conceded first points and looked off the pace during an error-ridden display.
Hopes were high that the Kiwis would be better off following last week's initial hit-out, with many players lacking match-fitness, but despite having had a full week to hone combinations their cohesion was poor.
At least six prime attacking chances went begging, with pushed passes and sloppy handling seeing the ball shoveled out wide with little accuracy, while halves Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran's kicking earned just three repeat sets.